Cervelo P2C Ultegra vs. Dura Ace

I'd have to say save the $500 and put it towards a set of race wheels (or household bills, which aren't as fun as race wheels).

I think most people wouldn't be able to feel the difference in shifting between the ULT and DA components. There may be a weight difference, but just get out and ride a little more during training....it's not like the ULT version comes with a cinder block attached to the back!

I've been entertaining the same decision for the last couple days as well.  I'm most likely going with the Ultegra version. 

HOWEVER, something else that may or may not be important.....  Paint scheme.  If I was more on the fence, the Red/White/Black of the DA looks better to me than the Grey/Black of the Ultegra.  I wanted a little color in my bike, but I would still rather save the cash and have a head start on some race wheels (which is the plan for me).

I agree VERY nice write up on the differences!  I'd probably go Ult. as well.  $500 is almost half way to better wheels anyway.  I do lean toward the paint scheme of the DA but not $500 more.

Either way...Nice Ride!!!!

This is all really helpful. I think I read somewhere on Demerly's site that the weight difference was equal to 4 business cards, or something similar, so I was curious if there was more to it.

I agree on the color as well. I thought I preferred the silver, but after some thought, think I'd miss having color as well, but for 500 bucks savings, I can live with it! 

The only reason I am riding the DA instead of the Ultegra is because they didn't have the Ultegra in my size and I needed it for a big race. 

Save the cash and buy an Aero Helmet or hire a coach.  It comes down to is Red/White paint worth $500?  For some, it is.  That question is for you to answer.

The reality is that for the factory build kits, there is suprisingly little difference between the two.

The DA kit is not a complete DuraAce package and really only has DA components where they thought they were needed the most. Cranks, Chain, Cassette, Brakes are all essentially the same in both kits. Best of all, they both have DA shift levers which as the reviewers are quick to point out, is really what matters in terms of feel anyway.

Also, be aware that Cervelo has been modifying the factory build kits throughout the year and the DA model now has the Shimano RS10 wheelset (The R550s were crap) and the Ultegra now has the upgraded brake levers.

Seems to me that the biggest difference between the two bikes is the paint scheme

I just purchased the P2C DA model (Over the Ultegra) mostly because I got a big discount on the bike along with free pedals. It turned out to be cheaper than the retail price of the Ultegra model. (And I get an extra year of warranty on the DA Components)

ETA: Whichever model you do decide to purchase, don't pay full retail price. There are a ton of deals to be had out there. Most DA versions are in the $2,500 range and most of the Ultegra models are in the $2,200 range.

Are the deals out in the open or do you have to ask for it? I have just started seriously shopping and when I talked pricing with the shop I'm looking at buying from, they quoted me the straight MSRP ($2,500 Ultegra and $3,000 DA). I'm in NYC so I may have a pricing disadvantage there, but I'm curious if I need to push for a deal as I get closer to buying.

Trek Superstore is currently offering the P2C DA model for $2,699 along side the Ultegra at Retail $2,499. Nytro is offering a 15% discount off of Retail on both models (I think they are still on sale and also offer free pedals with the ride)

Closer to home for you. Placid Planet is currently offering the DA model for $2,699 and the Ultegra model for $2,249.

All of these stores are selling shipping bikes meaning that they are not moving old inventory. The bike you get will have the latest build kits shipping from Cervelo.

Those deals sound appealing - it may be worth mentioning to your LBS to see if they may price match.

I may try that with mine, but even not, they provide free service for the first year and a free proffesional fit (Using the F.I.S.T method).  That could be worth a couple hundred as well.  They said that during my fitting, If I need to swap out stems or something, they would do that and I would only pay the difference.  Not sure if you can get that online. 

Sometimes it's more than the bottom line.  You are also paying for a relationship with you LBS...

I've heard the Ultegra are actually more durable, too.

You could also order it with a Nude Frame

I know that Cervelo has a few "Official" custom paint shops and you can get pretty much any color you want. (Or not and just stay with carbon black)

It's a good 2 cents. I like it too and see it a lot less. I guess most people felt the DA was worth the extra cash, or they got good deals. I just can't wait to get it! 

I have always been of the mindset to get the Most Bike you can afford.  For me that was the P2C.  My roadie is also Ultegra, so I didn't see much benefit of going to DA.  But if I had an extra $500 I would have thought about it.  Other than that, just look at the color and decide.  If you like the black bike (which I do, my roadie is also black) then go for that, otherwise go with the Red.  Other than that you probably will not notice a diference.